Hard Sore Lump Behind Ear With Full Feeling In Ear. Had Ear Infection. Should I Consult Doctor?

Posted on Wed, 16 Jan 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 Answered on

Sat, 2 Feb 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I have a small, hard, fixed lump behind my jaw and right under my skull, a little behind my ear. I can feel it pulsing all the time. It's been there for at least ten years I believe. A lot of times I get a full feeling in that ear. It doesn't seem to pulse when I inhale, it seems to wait till I stop breathing in our out. A little after I noticed it I went to the ER with trouble breathing and they found a large, black lump of wax in my ear, the doctor said my ear produces wax at an accelerated rate.

Sometimes when my glands are enlarged I noticed I get a similar shaped lump getting bigger on my right side as well. It feels a bit sore when my other glands are enlarged. I've had ear infections in the past associated with the wax I think. I'm currently unemployed and have no insurance. Do I need to get to a doctor?

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (4 hours later)

Hello
Thanks for writing to us.
The lump that you're talking about is in all likelihood an enlarged lymph node. It could be enlarged due to a chronic infection in the ear. Since its been there for a long term, I dont think it is a serious issue.
It is pulsatile because it is situated over the major vessels in the neck and you can feel the transmitted pulsations of these vessels
It would be a good idea to see your physician, although you can wait till you have insurance. You may need to undergo a minor surgery of Excision Biopsy to confirm the diagnosis..
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards
Dr.Patil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli